top of page
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
Search

Why is Soursop Illegal? Not as Dangerous as You Might Think...

Updated: Mar 21



Introduction

Hey, lovely people! Have you heard the buzz about soursop? This exotic fruit has been making waves, and not all of them good. Some say it's a superfood with amazing health benefits, while others warn it's dangerous and bad for your health. Some countries have banned the fruit and made it completely illegal and I know that quiet a few of you are confused to why this is. Today, we’re diving deep into the heart of the matter to uncover the truth about soursop. Let's create some clarity and demystify the haze.

Spoiler alert: it’s not as dangerous as you might think!


Understanding Soursop

So Soursop is a superfruit powerhouse packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s rich in Vitamin C, which is fantastic for your immune system, helping you ward off those pesky colds and flu. It also has B vitamins, magnesium, and potassium, all essential for maintaining good health. And don’t forget the antioxidants – those magical compounds that fight off free radicals and keep our bodies humming along nicely.


The source of concern

So, why the controversy? Heart breaking to say but the beautiful Soursop fruit is actually illegal in some countries. Some studies suggest a link between high levels of soursop and neurotoxicity, but these are mostly lab-based or involve animals. Human studies are limited. The most famous of these human studies came out of the region of the French West Indies. In one study that took place in the late 1990s, 87 patients with symptoms of Parkinsons were divided into several subgroups. The team compared the amount of tropical fruits and herbal tea consumed by the various subgroups. Note this not a random sample of the population but people who were already diagnosed with a given form of Parkinson’s. The findings of this study highlighted that almost every participant consumed soursop and herbal teas, and as a result of this, it was deduced that these were key components in the development of neurotoxicity and parkinsonism in humans.

Apart from the obvious genetic aspects, some researchers into this topic feel that specific environmental factors may also increase a person's risk of developing Parkinson's disease namely:

pesticides

herbicides and

pollution.

Now reviewing accurate rates of pollution 20 years ago is challenging. However farming data has clearly shown that a common pesticide used in the French West Indies around this same time period was chlordane. Several scientific journals have been quoted as saying that “some of the most common chemicals found in pesticide classes associated with Parkinson's were the agricultural insecticide chlordane, the now-banned insecticide dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) and the home-and-garden insecticide chlorpyrifos.

Chlordecone, was widely applied in agricultural fields of the French West Indies from 1972 to 1999. Soil contamination by Chlordecone was assess and it was estimated that this chemical lasts from 100 to 600 years after use, depending on leaching intensity and assuming no degradation. So what we may indeed have here is a case of contaminated soil produces contaminated fruit. But did anyone consider investigating this area of concern when carrying out their studies into the soursop fruit? The answer is No.

So not all science can be seen as good science.

The use of chlordane was so harmful that criminal investigations took placed on both the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, acknowledging that the chlordecone pesticide had caused a "health scandal" and inflicted long-term harm on the islands and their people.


A vital point to add

Studies then linked annonacin to neurotoxicity, which also sounds pretty scary. The fear is that consuming soursop could potentially lead to nerve damage or even neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.

But hold on a minute. Context is key here. These studies often involve high doses of annonacin, way more than you’d ever get from eating the fruit in moderation. It’s a classic case of "too much of a good thing is always a bad." Just because something contains a potentially harmful compound doesn’t mean it’s dangerous in normal amounts. Think about it – even water can be deadly if you drink too much! And as far as I know, water is not illegal?!


Health Benefits of Soursop

Now, let’s get to the good stuff – the health benefits. Soursop isn’t just safe; it’s downright beneficial when enjoyed responsibly.


Nutritional Benefits

Soursop is a fantastic source of Vitamin C, which is crucial for a strong immune system. It helps your body fight off infections and keeps your skin glowing. The B vitamins in soursop support energy production and help maintain brain function. Magnesium and potassium are essential for muscle function and heart health. And the dietary fibre? It keeps your digestive system happy and regular.


Potential Medicinal Properties

Beyond basic nutrition, soursop has some exciting potential medicinal benefits. Its antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. The fruit also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

Emerging research is exploring even more possibilities. Preliminary studies suggest that soursop might have anti-cancer properties, with some research indicating it can help fight cancer cells. It’s also being studied for its potential to manage diabetes and hypertension, which is incredibly promising.


Practical Guidelines for Safe Consumption

So, how can you enjoy soursop safely? Here are some practical tips:


Recommended Serving Sizes

Moderation is key. Enjoy soursop as a treat, not a staple. A typical serving size might be a small bowl of fresh fruit or a glass of soursop juice. Three or four times a week is plenty to reap the benefits without overdoing it. For soursop powder ½ tea spoon no more than twice a day is also fine.


Preparation Methods

There are so many delicious ways to incorporate soursop into your diet. You can eat the fresh fruit as a snack, blend it into smoothies, or use it to make desserts like ice cream and sorbet. Just remember to avoid the seeds and bark, as these parts contain higher concentrations of annonacin.


Integrating Soursop into a Balanced Diet

To get the most out of soursop, pair it with other nutrient-rich foods. For instance, add soursop to a fruit salad with berries and kiwi for a vitamin-packed punch. Or blend it with spinach and avocado for a superfood smoothie that’s as tasty as it is nutritious.


Lifestyle Considerations

Remember, a healthy diet is all about balance. Soursop can be a delightful addition to your meals, but it shouldn’t replace other fruits and vegetables. Variety is the spice of life, and eating a wide range of foods ensures you get all the nutrients your body needs.

Also, consider your overall lifestyle. Regular exercise, plenty of water, and a good night’s sleep are just as important as what you eat. And if you have any specific health concerns or conditions, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual needs.


Conclusion

To wrap things up, soursop is a wonderful fruit that deserves a place in your diet – just not in excess. The concerns about its safety are valid but often overblown. By enjoying soursop in moderation and being mindful of how you prepare it, you can savour its unique flavour and reap its many health benefits.

So go ahead, give soursop a try. Here’s to your health and happiness, my friends!



 
 
 
bottom of page